Uday Sra: Thanks!
Gan315: I sent you a full reply as a PM :D I always thought that Sleep Disease was underused...an unknown disease that can potentially affect any member of their species with no definitive way to wake up other than growing a Sacred Gear? I knew I had to use it some more. And precisely in regards to Rosalina and Diodora's peerage. I felt terrible for how they ended up there, but canon just sort of forgets them. Issei's trauma may be wholly different than what they went through, but it felt in place for him to try and help them and show growth of his character. I hope you like my plans going forward, the experiment results and Rias vs Sairaorg will be all bundled together soon ;)
MountainBookSage25: Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it :)
Gzilla54: No exact plans yet, with how RWBY went later on I'll pretty much have to overhaul most of Vol. 5+ so I haven't settled on an exact detailed path. I have overarching plots, but it's the details that slow things up.
OBSERVER01: We shall see ;) In regards to Sairaorg vs Rias...no spoilers but I do hope you like the additions I make along with the different team structures.
fanficcyberman: XD That got me lol. Definitely a missed comedy opportunity. I am glad you liked my addition to Issei. One of the things I wasn't fond in canon is how little he change in terms of personality after Vol. 10. This helps set up more for the future than finally confronting Raynare's trauma. You stay safe as well man! All my best wishes go with you.
reality deviant: Thank you so much for the kind words :D And that is a good guess...I will say you'll have your answer today ;) Not sure how in-depth I'll go with Diodora's death, but my intention was that they all knew they were former nuns which considering they were their enemies many saw that as impressive like trophies, while the good ones like Gremorys, Sitri, etc. were disgusted. None were aware of HOW he indoctrinated them, I believe that'd be frowned upon even by the more traditional factions.
Spectrvs: I am touched you always create such in-depth reviews as always :D I have sent a full reply to you via PMs. Never any rush to read, only if you enjoy it :D I agree so much that Seekvaira was a good character/design and is criminally underused in canon. It probably helps she's one of the few with zero interest in Issei XD You stay safe too my friend, with all my friends and fans I'm never alone. All the manly hugs! :D
Rusetheimmortal: 2 days? Oh wow, I don't know what to say. I am honored you liked it so much and super impressed, you are a much faster reader than I XD I hope all my future ones are just as enjoyable! :)
Tohka123: I most certainly will, thank you! :D
theLawbringer: I totally agree with you, when watching/reading the fight I'll wholly admit that I was rooting for Sairaorg the whole time. Sona wants that all-inclusive school, Sairaorg wants to prove devils of all types can not be seen as useless if not powerful and Seekvaira is looking to improve her family to be similar to the Gremory and Sitris. I don't believe her parents are dead though, unless I missed something. Rias, while I do love her early series character, felt like her family was already what devil society needed so she was more focused on herself, same with Issei whose goal boiled down to proving he's strong and making Rias the winner. And of course ;) Chapters may be delayed but I will always continue :D Cheers to you too!
KRAKEN - Excalibur Galantine: First off...LOVE the username lol, super epic. I am so glad you saw what I was going for. I loved canon before it became so wholly focused on Issei to the detriment of all else. And you are totally right for Dorian. Not only does he not want to jump into more than he can handle so soon after finding himself in a new world, but I imagined as a relatively normal guy before all this that killing is not his first option to come to. I truly appreciate the suggestion as I take all constructive criticism into account for future improvement. Thank you for the review and kind words, I most certainly will continue to do my best and hope to never disappoint.
And with that…ONTO THE SHOW!
"I can't remember the last time I was home," Rossweisse expressed as they stood at the threshold of the Bifrost portal built into the Crossroads Tower. "Is us leaving for the week okay?"
"We should be fine," Seekvaira checked her schedule she seemed to always carry on her person. "All current missions for the Crossroads have been completed and Azazel assured us he will have Grigori agents cover new ones while we are away. With the Khaos Brigade's defeat in Kyoto and the Underworld we have not heard a thing. I will admit, I am curious to see this realm of yours."
"You'll love it!" Misty gushed, appearing behind her with suitcases packed and ready. "Radiant fields of flowers growing under the majestic rays of the very air itself! Magic as old as the world permeating everything into the ground down to the…"
"If you keep going, we'll never leave," Brynda sternly chopped her friend in the back of the head. "And for it to be an invitation from Lady Freyja and Lord Odin themselves! Her birth realm."
"Birth realm?"
"Vanaheim is the home of all Valkyries," Herja explained following her two friends last. "Before the peace with the Aesir, it was where the Vanir ruled from. What the Aesir were proud of in strength, the Vanir could match with magic."
"Then your family hails from there as well?" Seekvaira asked Rossweisse who was entering the commands into the device to send them.
"Y-yes," she admitted with a downturned expression. "They are important advisors to Asgard from Vanaheim, granny, ahem, my grandmother raised me in their stead. It has been…many years since I visited them."
"Well now you got a great chance!" Bennia walked past to drop her own belongings in front of the portal. "They'll get to see you act on the big screen! I'd bet they've already seen all your episodes and you just didn't know it."
"Maybe," the silver Valkyrie shifted uncomfortably as the memories of her youth. She had already told Dorian of her failure to claim her family title, but the others for the most part were unaware. With how busy her parents were, she couldn't see them partaking in such frivolities.
"Where is Dorian anyway?" Herja glanced left and right noticing that while almost the entire group had gathered to leave, he was nowhere to be seen.
"He had to do a few things before we go," Rossweisse informed, having been told by Dorian before he departed. "He was uncertain how long we'd be staying, so he wanted to make sure he wouldn't have to worry about anything."
Road Between Realms…
"Do you need to do that every time?" Dorian asked dryly as Fenrir lunged towards him on sight, jaws clamping a hair's breadth from his face. As in the past, he made sure to not move beyond the tree marker Yggdrasil had set to mark the limit of Gleipnir's chains. The area looked much wider than last he had come by, clearly more room made by Yggdrasil. Due to the sheer length of the chain, the prisoner did not want for space to move around. "I wouldn't be much of a meal anyway."
But a satisfying one, Fenrir growled. It doesn't matter how many times you visit here, as long as your chains bind me, I shall find your head in time.
"But if my chains don't bind you, you COULD find my head." Dorian pointed out, almost able to feel the gaze of ire directed at him.
Smartass.
"What was that?"
I asked what brings you here, he retreated a safe distance, laying down while crossing his paws. This is not your usual schedule vainly trying to ease the torment of my incarceration.
"My team will be heading to Vanaheim," he explained. "I may not get to come back for a bit, so I wanted to make sure you weren't…lonely."
How can I be lonely when the mistress of this place refuses to leave me to my own devices nor my brother let me have a moment of peace!?
[You are too easy] Midgardsormr's voice could be heard in the minds of everyone around. [Conversing with you is no strain in the slightest. You are already acting more as you used to with father's defeat, perhaps he was manipulating you more than you knew. Dorian, your bargain has held strong, this is the quietest I've had in centuries. The bottom of the ocean was home to such loud wildlife]
"And I talk with all those who call my boughs home, even if it is against their will," Yggdrasil insisted as she appeared beside Dorian. "Would you prefer the silence of isolation?"
…Occasionally. The pup has changed since last he was here, quite refreshing to smell the scent of blood on you. How does it feel to actually do the deed at last?
Dorian stared him down not as surprised as he should have been that the wolf could tell he had killed Heracles. If Kuroka could literally taste virginity, why would long-washed away blood be so foreign to one of the strongest beings in the world.
"I didn't want to kill him, the Breakdown…"
An excuse to hold onto that innocence you clung to like a babe. You haven't gotten your own hands dirty before, letting others do it instead. Your allies slew one of my sons, even the Fallen Angel Lieutenant at Olympus was…
"Shut up!" He took a step forward, his voice surprisingly louder than he intended. "Killing may come easy to you, but it shouldn't be done so…casually."
Fenrir let out an echoing laugh that looked eerily unnatural coming from a wolf. Killing is as natural as breathing, or have you never studied nature? Death comes every day to us all, to claim it as something never to be done is naivete of the highest order. Father said when you first came to our shores you were like a child in that regard, have you grown none since then?
"I've grown, and learned some things," Dorian's mind fell back to Loki's deception of Kara, Despoina's stab in the back, two instances that had dire consequences because he had been too trusting. He wouldn't let that happen again, the scars on his chest and back all the reminders he needed. He had changed in that regard, was knowing when to kill another such way he needed to adapt? "Trust is earned, not freely given."
Then you may have some hope, Fenrir yawned as he stretched out lazily, curling up on the spot he now called his home. I have no need for companionship, spend as much time as you like here or away, I care not.
"Good, then you won't mind a few minutes," Dorian took a seat calling out Fenrir's words, choosing to spend a little time with his captive. The wolf's only reply was a sideways glance before huffing and seemingly preparing for sleep. Surprisingly, Yggdrasil drifted beside Dorian as he settled in to wait.
"He is doing better, his mind more at peace since he came here. I do wonder if his brother may be correct that Loki had power over him he did not reveal. I will treat him as if he were my own. Speaking of, is my daughter with you?"
"She is back at the tower, couldn't decide what to bring to Vanaheim." He chuckled a bit at the thought of the young Sacred Gear Spirit looking to decide which of her impressive wardrobe to bring. She'd never owned something herself before forming a physical body and was making up for it in recent days.
"Then we may speak. You have something to say to me, I can see it in your eyes," she half floated around Dorian, cutting him off in case he decided to try and leave. The Einherjar had intended to avoid it, but there was no hope of that now.
"We…are certain now that the nightmares of Iggy are actually memories," he tried to explain what they had theorized since before the Breakdown in Kyoto. "That she is from some alternate future, dimension, timeline, I don't know which. That she saw some great catastrophe."
"This has never occurred in all my memory. Life, time, and existence has been a singular thing, it is not like your movies of splitting with each decision. If such a thing were possible, however, that would explain much," the World Tree stroked her chin. "She is not my daughter now, but my daughter-to be. Born after our time and sent back to us. Have you learned anything from the memories?"
"We ventured into one while at Sona's family hospital," he explained the result of their brief excursion. "She can feel the pain of the world while in that place, I don't want to hurt her further."
"Nor I, but she must face these things in time. All of us must grow up sooner or later. If there is any who can ease her into it, it is you. I have trusted you with her life for a long time, that trust has not wavered. Iggy told me what you said in her defense to the Shinto Gods. Will you try again?"
"Later," Dorian promised again. "When she's ready."
"Later has a habit of never becoming now," Yggdrasil sighed. "She has helped you in your trials, I ask you now to help in her own…even if she does not wish it."
Help in her trials, just what will that entail before this is done?
Vanaheim…
"We are so glad you could make it," a young woman in a silver robe bowed politely as the team funneled one by one out of the Bifrost Gate. Dorian could not help but notice the transit hub was nearly identical to the one he had taken to Jotunheim earlier in the year. Unlike the near-empty halls of that terminal, this one was bustling with life. It did Dorian's heart better to realize many were from the other mythologies; angels, Spartans, he even spotted a few devils going to and fro. "I trust the bridge was comfortable?"
"We haven't gotten to use it in a while," Thrud stretched her arms with a satisfying crack. "The Roads are enjoyable to travel, but sometimes it's nice to just relax and go with the flow when time isn't of the essence."
"Lady Freyja was most pleased you could accept her invitation. She has prepared a welcome for you."
"That was kind of her," Dorian smiled as she led them to the main lobby. "What sort of…?"
"Welcome one and all!" The goddess of life shouted melodiously as they entered the enormous room which looked considerably smaller filled wall to wall with people and signs covering the walls. 'Welcome Crossroads,' and 'Get Well Soon,' in beautiful writing adorned the room making them wonder how long it had taken to set up. "We have missed you since you departed for Kuoh."
"There is the High King," he heard a few voices in the back mutter.
"And the Thunder Maiden! It's really Lady Thrud!"
"He beat Modi? Think he'll let me take a shot?"
"He's still healing you ass."
The voices overlapped one another as the team awkwardly stood at the threshold unsure how to proceed. Fortunately, Freyja's approach commanded silence from the crowd, allowing them a moment to breathe. Much to Dorian's embarrassment and the crowd's joy, she pulled the young man into a powerful embrace between her breasts. She cradled him like that a few moments with a sigh of contentment before finally releasing him.
"The work can wait, come, this is a time for you and your team to rest before we begin. First episode shoots of the High King pilot are slated for tomorrow. Tonight, we celebrate. You have not seen my first office; it has been some time since even I worked from there."
"Thank you, Lady Freyja, and thank you for what we discussed earlier," Dorian referred to the call he made to her shortly after their return from the Sitri hospital at Issei's request.
"This land heals the body AND mind better than most," she assured. "They are already better than when they arrived. I pray the same is true of your condition."
"The land is truly so…?" Dorian's question was cut off as they reached the main gate exiting the Bifrost, the doors swinging open to reveal the land of Vanaheim to him for the first time. Rolling green fields were revealed as far as the eye could see, all but the Valkyries among them gasped with widening eyes. They had seen Alfheim, Olympus, Midgard and Jotunheim, yet Vanaheim went beyond the beauty of nature, it was in every sense of the word, magical. Plants flourished, swayed and in some cases even moved across the landscape, many of which he recognized Freyja had provided for their rooftop greenhouse. Far in the distance, structures could be seen floating above the surface resembling medieval castles but with architecture and construction wholly alien to anything found in Midgard only slightly resembling ancient ruins of Scandinavia. They rotated slowly across the horizon, the magical ambiance of the land soaking into everything from the wildlife to the buildings themselves.
"Life thrives here greater than anywhere with the exception of Jotunheim," Freyja educated proudly as they walked a well-trodden pathway through the land. "Many species flourish not found elsewhere in creation, and our magic permeates out into the other eight realms."
"The birthplace of Valkyries," Misty announced dramatically. "From these shores do their light wash up elsewhere to light the way!"
"You too?" Dorian referred to each of the other Valkyries. All but Thrud nodded in confirmation.
"I was raised in the countryside," Rossweisse smiled softly, clearly apprehensive about having returned. "But yes, it is where I was born."
"Not me," Thrud admitted. "Born and raised in Asgard, haven't been here since I was a little girl visiting family. I remember the floating castles, wanted one so badly someday," she could not help chuckling at the childhood dream. "Imagine being able to travel everywhere in your very own home?"
"I like when we use the powers from here," Iggy admitted walking up alongside the rest. "It feels nice, like a comfortable blanket."
"Is it alright if I visit home?" Brynda asked with Herja and Misty nodding for the same question. "I'm sure father has been missing me."
"Of course," Dorian agreed without hesitation. "This is a chance to relax and recuperate. Do whatever makes you happy."
"Thank you," Herja proceeded with a bit more of a skip to her step. "Mom and dad may want to meet you; they are a little paranoid of all my new jobs."
"We can see the place before settling in," Rossweisse was the one to offer the idea. "Dorian, if you and the others want to drop off our belongings at the villa, the rest of us can get a quick look around." Dorian missed the subtle wink between friends.
"Gotcha," Bennia winked back before walking a bit faster up alongside Dorian.
"I have missed working together," the Einherjar remarked to Freyja to break up the monotony of their walk. "It feels like we barely got to spend any time together."
"As have I, I receive daily reports on your activities, but they lack a personal touch. How have you been, have your studies been fruitful? What of your time with young Rossweisse? I can only imagine at your age…"
"Lady Freyja…" Dorian muttered in embarrassment. Anytime he spoke with her, no matter how confident he'd grown over his time in Kuoh, he felt like a kid talking with their parent. It could never not be awkward. Even so, he felt the urge to talk to her, that smile brought to her face when she heard of his growth made it irresistible. "Well, things have been going…nice. Just the other day…"
Vanaheim Villa…
"This…is…so cool!" Bennia called out as they entered sight range of what would be their home for the next several days. "Please tell me the rooms are oceanside!"
The servants to Lady Freyja had guided the team who hadn't split off for the supposed sightseeing to a cliffside facing an enormous ocean. Built flying just above its surface was a building that was unmistakably a resort-like villa complete with a visible pool on the western rooftop that had a waterfall perpetually running into the ocean below. Bennia's compliments, 'ooos' and 'aaas' didn't stop all the way to their rooms.
"THEY ARE!" She squealed with joy as she threw herself into the first room along the hallway belonging to them. The young grim reaper practically disappeared as she leapt onto the bed, sinking into the soft mattress. "Maybe we should have a tower in every member realm! I volunteer to man this one."
"That wouldn't be half bad of an idea," Dorian played along with her enthusiasm. "When we have enough members to warrant more than one person per tower."
"So, any day now then? What are the other beds in here for?"
"We are bunked together with Seekvaira," Hecuba laid her duffel bag on the bed across from hers. "Irina and Xenovia are the next room over. Herja, Brynda and Misty are across the hall and Zepar has his own I think, I saw him setting up his stuff. He's already making the bed."
That sounds like him.
"His own room?" Bennia groaned while flopping back on her bed. "Why couldn't I have been the only other guy on the team? Wait, wouldn't he bunk with Dorian?"
"I think…they had other plans for me," Dorian opened the door to his room wide-eyed. While the room itself was the same size as everyone else's, he could not help but notice the romantic shade circling the lone bed which was easily three to four times bigger than the others."
"Huh, that explains Thrud, Kuroka and Rossweisse not being assigned rooms," Hecuba looked over the other accommodations, spotting none reserved for them.
"Lord Odin was certain you would wish to continue your Sage Arts regimen during your time here," one of the attendants explained with a face clearly trying to restrain a coy grin. "We trust there are no objections?"
I should have seen this coming; a few dozen people saw Thrud's confession to me in Kyoto plus Rose and I have never been discreet other than the night in the hotel. Still, the fact they planned this out ahead of time…
"None," he delivered the most awkward content expression possible. "We have time to look around, maybe meet up with the others at Freyja's office."
"Um…not yet!" Herja suddenly teleported beside him, hooking an arm around his. "We haven't gotten to look around since you were a new Einherjar!"
"You haven't seen Vanaheim until you've been shown around by a Valkyrie!" Brynda claimed his other arm half dragging him to the door.
"For together we can show you the beauty and wonder of a realm that has existed since time immemorial!" Misty added her own flair, pushing Dorian from behind. "The work and tribulations of the night can wait."
"I…suppose," he couldn't find a reason to turn down their offer, his suitcases already deposited in his room with attendants unpacking. "If you guys need me, just message Skilja," were his last words before they ushered him out the door, the emerald raven flying out behind him no longer needing to wear its mundane disguise.
"They were a little obvious," Hecuba narrowed her eyes in the direction of the Valkyrie trio. "Do you think he suspects?"
"Of course he suspects SOMETHING," Zepar answered from around the corner, not as preoccupied with his unpacking as they'd implied. "He's been deceived too many times and knows better. But he trusts us, I am sure he knows it is nothing nefarious."
"Not too nefarious at least, and with them gone, we can move unnoticed," Bennia opened a short-ranged portal over her bed. "Come on, with how well those three can go on about anything, they'll keep him busy for hours!"
Elsewhere…
"Ah, it's good to be back," Ratatoskr lounged on the smaller floating chunk of rock over the city of Vanaheim. "I wonder if the women here are all still stacked? I swear that magic is better in more ways than one."
"You never change," the squirrel jumped like a startled cat at the voice certain none could reach him. "Oh, Yggy…well I guess we call your daughter that now, so I'll need to get cleverer on a shorter name for you. What brings you round these parts?"
Yggdrasil floated beside him, her body ethereal and see-through denoting a projection from the Roads. It was a costly ability in terms of energy, but with Ratatoskr partaking of her power to recharge in her home, they had a closer connection than most. Her face looked almost a bit somber, he hated seeing her like that.
"I wanted to thank you for watching over them," her hand stroked his back despite passing right through. "I will gladly provide as much energy as you require to remain in their world while you do this."
"Aw shucks, you don't have to get so melodramatic," his flicked his hand in her direction. "He's fun to be around, even more fun to mess with, and your daughter is a peach," he rubbed his hands together mischievously. "I haven't had to push him towards the fairer sex as much recently. Why are you so serious?"
"I don't know," the world tree held herself as if feeling a chill. "I sense as if something is about to happen, something that shouldn't. My boughs quiver and I do not know why. If it is related to my daughter, please care for them as you have in my stead."
"Geez, it's that serious?" He sat up, removing his sunglasses to look her in the eye. "I haven't felt anything, though I can't wait to see the new show they got planned for everyone. How do you think I'd look as a thespian? I get enough practice in that school of theirs." He keeled over dramatically, his hand reaching towards the sky. His words paid off as Yggdrasil let out a gentle giggle.
"You never fail at that," she leaned forward to kiss the top of his head in thanks. "Thank you."
A woman's shriek shattered their calm, Ratatoskr leaning over the side of his perch towards Dorian and the women he'd been keeping an eye on even then. An eyebrow raised as he saw the source of the scream, Yggdrasil leaning over his shoulder to get a good look herself.
"Huh, now what in the seven and a half Hels are THEY doing here?"
Vanaheim Streets…
"This takes me back," Brynda mused as the four wandered the streets of Vanaheim's main concourse. "We haven't gotten to do this since he came back from his first hunt."
"And he's a lot more knowledgeable," Herja agreed. "Back then he couldn't tell a barbershop from a mall."
"You have discount stores here?" Dorian was going from building to building looking around. "No wonder Rossweisse got hooked on these, they're everywhere! They have a Jotun's Breath rink too!"
"We have a little bit of everything," the blonde leader of the Valkyrie trio bragged, noticing that Dorian had a bit more pep in his step than before no doubt due to the natural healing ambiance of Vanaheim. "Some never leave this realm, who would want to?"
"You did," he pointed out. "I am sure if you'd wanted to you could have attended an academy here, right?"
"This coming from you Mr. traveled the world?" Herja got a slight snicker from the other two. "I just…I wanted to see more I suppose."
"I have written so much in my book!" Brynda bragged, pushing ahead a little bit. "The industry of Asgard against the natural beauty of Vanaheim! The sunny beaches of Alfheim, I hope it's okay I used some of what you told us to describe Jotunheim. I still have much to do!" Dorian recalled her desire to journey to each of the Nine Realms writing of her experiences along the way.
"I'll have to read it sometime."
"Not until it's done!" She snapped as if he were about to find and read it immediately. "I haven't edited it yet."
"And how could I meet the true love for me?" Misty spun around whimsically using a lamppost for support like she was putting on a show. "Not many Einherjar in Vanaheim, to find the strapping warriors of legend and locate he for whom I am destined, I had to depart the land of my birth."
"And how many true loves have you found?" Herja's smug grin could not be hidden. "Bjorn, Gorm, Halfan, Rork, Vri…"
"THOSE WERE MERELY SETBACKS!" She cried out in embarrassment; her usual overly dramatic persona cast away. "He's still out there, you'll see! I even started asking for advice from Ms. Kuroka."
Oh no… The thought of the incorrigible nekoshou's outlook on romance spreading beyond her was a truly terrifying prospect. Quickly, Dorian looked to change the subject.
"How has your college schedule been going? We barely get to see you three."
"Not as hectic as we feared, plenty of time for that and Crossroad missions," Herja reported for the rest. "We actually transported documents from the Hindu mythology to Lady Freyja just last week."
"Hindu?" Dorian was not truly intrigued. "I hadn't heard they may be joining the alliance. That is great to hear! When we get back to the room, we can…"
"Um," the girls suddenly looked nervous. "Not yet! I think a new place opened down here!" Once more Dorian had his arms seized, being dragged won to the end of the line of businesses. "It's a yoga place, maybe they can help with your condition. It's supposedly very therapeutic."
"I don't know how good I'd be at that," he tried to protest, not overly confident with his flexibility.
A shriek of surprise followed by a crashing of plates and bowls drew their attention to a nearby café packed with people. From the look of it, a waitress wearing a skirt had dropped a tray full of food and orders. The reason soon became evident as a hairy tail snaked away from her exposed legs, clearly having just startled her. The source of the appendage was laughing like a boy who had just dipped his crush's pigtails in ink.
"Oh man, that was good, you are too easy!" The voice easily recognized.
"Bikou?" Dorian leapt the divider to the café, immediately dipping into a defensive stance. He had not seen the monkey youkai in quite some time but could never forget him. "What are you doing here?"
"Huh?" He turned to face the Einherjar and the three Valkyries. "Oh, what are YOU doing here? You'll ruin all the fun! Although, getting to fight you might be a fun bit of a warmup. If I beat the tar out of you, will that impress the golden girl?"
"Golden girl?" The three Valkyries were unaware of whom he referred.
"Come on!" He pulled out his staff and twirled it like helicopter blades. "I bet I can drop you in five moves tops."
A green beam of energy impacted the ground in front of the monkey king as he stepped forward causing him to pause. Not far was what looked like a mechanical spike floating in the air akin to a small weapon platform. Five more were surrounding him hovering menacingly with similar glows of energy at the tip threatening to fire again. Coming up down the road was Seekvaira having arrived to find Dorian, her mechanical wings unfurled behind her. Dorian marveled at the machinery now worked into her devil wings to supplement her lost one, each spike capable of detaching into its own autonomous device to cover her from many angles. The interconnected mechanical elements into the remain of her right wing was beautiful in its ingenuity formulated between the devil heiress and Rossweisse.
"Surrender," she commanded sternly as the confidence of her station reverberated despite the known strength of her foe. "You are surrounded."
"Please, if you want to make this a party, I am more than capable of…"
"Bikou! Enough!" The group eased up as the stern voice of Vali cut through the air, all but the combatants themselves backed off. "You know the stipulations for our amnesty here."
"And we are MORE than willing to enforce it," Odin himself stood beside him, his expression sterner than seen before until his fake eye fell on those nearby. "Oh, Dorian ma boy, glad you could make it. Sorry I couldn't make your welcome. Enjoying the sights of my beloved's homeland?"
"Lord Odin." Dorian called up unable to resist teasing him a bit for old time's sake. "I hope you haven't been getting into trouble while Rossweisse and I are gone. Can you please tell me what THEY are doing here?"
Freyja's Office…
"I see your arrival got off on a…shaky foot," Freyja sighed as Dorian, Vali along with their respective teams stood within her office. The room was nearly identical to the one Dorian had worked in back in Asgard, though was much larger with entire rows of books and other documents stacked in every direction. "I thought you were allowed to remain under the premise your people would stay OUT of trouble."
Vali glared over to Bikou who just sighed not seeing what he'd done wrong. Clearly, he'd been unaware of the monkey king's antics. Volody was present alongside Le Fay whom the Russian mage had learned so much from. Looking around he could not help but give a two-finger salute to Dorian as they met once more. He was far more cordial as he spotted Irina next to him, his salute evolving into a full wave and smile that only widened as she returned the gesture.
"I did not think you'd meet so soon," Freyja explained from behind her desk. "My husband was very insistent when granting them asylum temporarily here. They have information we've been using."
"Information?" Thrud asked from beside the enormous fireplace. In her hands were a pair of small cats nuzzling up against her, the goddess of thunder happily scratching them behind the ears. Kuroka could not help but snicker at how serious her expression was while performing such an adorable act.
"I told you before we are no longer in the Brigade, but were long enough to learn things," Vali replied with his usual cold stoicism. "There are more than a few rumors of a larger faction within the Brigade pulling strings without Ophis' knowledge. Your Hero Faction as well," Hecuba tensed at that mention which he noticed. "You've seen one of Cao Cao's powers, this skill to seal women's abilities. While I am not sure on all of them, we do know he has seven in total."
"Seven?" The Spartan narrowed her eyes towards him. "And all of them are aspects of his Balance Breaker?" Vali nodded. "And you have been giving this information freely?"
"Nothing is free," the silver-haired man strolled up to her, Hecuba crossing her arms indignantly as the pair seemed to be sizing one another up. "You were foolish to challenge Cao Cao at Kyoto, you are only human after all."
"Only human?" A vein seemed to throb on Hecuba's forehead. "Last I checked so was he, you aren't too far off either."
"You need to be stronger to face what we do," Vali's expression tightened at the mention of his human heritage. "If you can't do that, you might as well step back."
"Facing what we do is all the reason to move forward," Hecuba took a step towards him, now close enough to look him dead in the eyes. "I won't back down, not to the Hero Faction, Khaos Brigade OR you."
"Did it just get hot in here?" Ratatoskr muttered over to Kuroka lounging in her black cat form beside him. "I swear that Heavenly Dragon's heart just skipped a beat." Despite his words, Vali's expression was unchanged.
"And that is all?"
"We have been allowed to hunker down here for the duration for other information we possess, in addition to…"
"…Other arrangements!" Odin cleared his throat and interrupted the two. "We need to go into all the specifics here. Suffice to say, the information is worth it."
"Worth jeopardizing the alliance?" Dorian assumed the demeanor of head of the Crossroads and stepped forward. "In the charter signed, any fugitives deemed so by the majority of members must be turned over for incarceration. If this is not done within a week's time…"
"Of which it's only been one day since they arrived," Odin winked. "Points for remembering the details of that boorish document, but we are well within the agreement. So long as they either leave or are no longer considered fugitives in that time, no harm no foul."
"I don't like this," Dorian sighed, remembering who he was speaking to. "But I trust you, is there anything we can assist with?" Freyja was beaming with pride at those words, shifting so quickly to his desire to help.
"Not at this time," she took over the conversation. "We are just discussing these Old Satan Faction remnants that broke away from Katerea after she surrendered. Can you bring those documents in my dear?"
Dorian moved to the shelf, his muscle memory from the short time as her retainer causing him to think she was referring to himself. Instead, a soft hand scooped them up first, a young woman who had only just entered followed by many others. Dorian had known about them, but it was the first seeing them there, the rest having no idea.
"Rosalina?!" Rossweisse's mouth dropped open as the former Devil Queen and several members she recognized from Diodora's peerage entered the room. All were dressed in a combination of either business suits or modest Asgardian dresses worthy of royalty. Their complexion was much healthier than it had been last she saw them at the Rating Game and she couldn't be sure, but their eyes looked more vibrant as well.
"They are here by my invitation," Freyja explained. "I heard from," she glanced over to Dorian, "reliable sources that they were in need of a safe place to call their home and recover from their ordeal. Seeing as I had a recent opening for those skilled in this form of work with excellent penmanship, I made a few calls."
"Here is the document, labeled, itemized and updated with a few extra points," Rosalina added as she presented the folder. "Your meetings for the rest of the day have been rescheduled as you requested with no difficulties."
"Oh, thank you dear," she replied with a soft comforting expression. "I made sure to have some dinner and tea made for you all later today. Do not restrain yourself, I insist."
"Thank you," one of the young Pawns in the back squeaked. She looked to be on the verge of tears, however unlike due to the sadness she held after Diodora's fall, these were of joy at the heartwarming hospitality they had found since arriving in the foreign lands. They had been given lodging, belongings, and free reign to travel, more than they had in many years. Combined with a job they were suited for without fear of their well-being every day, the collected former nuns and saints were on their way to feeling truly at ease.
"I should be thanking you. Those muffins you made were divine; when you are feeling better you must make more. You will have full access to the kitchens." She thought back to the pile she'd found in their accommodations the previous week just after their arrival. As Rosalina explained, baking was one of the few relaxing activities the Pawn enjoyed and had been deprived of. Nothing made the young girl happier than creating culinary delights. "You should be careful Dorian; they are swiftly surpassing even your numbers when you were here."
"I will have to do better if I get a chance," he joked, but deep down was overjoyed to hear it. Not only had Lady Freyja found retainers but if they were happy, and on their way to healing he didn't care if they blew his performance out of the water.
Thank you Issei, I would never have known to ask if you hadn't said something.
"Moloch?" Vali's scrunched his face at mention of the devil within the provided documents. "I've never heard of anyone by that name in the Brigade, and if he was strong enough to fight as he did, I am sure it would have been known. This doesn't add up."
"The Gremorys will be going over their theories next we meet on his identity, but enough talk of such dreary matters," Odin's tone suddenly shifted to an upbeat one. "The party is going down tonight, and you are all invited."
"Party?" Dorian raised an eyebrow; he had been out with the Valkyrie trio and hadn't seen any signs of a fair or holiday celebration.
"It's a last-minute trifle that will last the week," Rossweisse assured, giving a quick glare at Odin missed by everyone else. "We should attend, the main events starts around seven at the central square."
"The only requirement is to enjoy yourselves…and NO violence," Freyja looked squarely at Bikou who threw his hands up assuring his cooperation. "Excellent, then the rest of the day is yours. Preparations for the High King pilot won't be until tomorrow at least. Everybody have fun."
Hello Albion, I hope you have been well. Iggy could not resist greeting the fellow Sacred Gear spirit.
And you my lady, the white dragon spoke while their respective wielders were within close proximity as the discussions died down. It has been far too long.
Will you be in Vanaheim a while? No dragon could have resisted her innocent question.
Just long enough to rest and provide our information. I have not passed through here in many lifetimes. One of my older possessors was from your Nine Realms, it was how I met your esteemed mother. Are you well? Your vibrancy has dimmed somewhat since last we met.
I-I'm fine! She insisted, unaware the dragon's long ages of life had given him a sense to tell she was not being wholly truthful. I've just…learned a few things, that's all.
Hard truths? Albion raised an eyebrow within the mental conversation between them. Do not let them crush your spirit. I have lived many lifetimes to learn such things while this is your first. Take them in stride and remain true to yourself.
Wow, thank you Albion. You have had many past wielders, if things go how I wish I will only have one. Even as a disembodied voice, the daughter of Yggdrasil seemed to smile brighter than a sun. Dorian has gotten better at making portals to the Roads since we last spoke. Perhaps you can come through some time to say hello to mother.
If it was possible for a formless dragon to blush, it may have just been possible in that moment. He couldn't even think of a proper response before Vali finally left the range for her to hear his follow-up reply.
"How have things been?" Dorian asked Rosalina as the other teams funneled out of the room still glaring at each other. Bennia especially was giving the 'I'm watching you' sign to Bikou while Arthur seemed to be staring intently at Irina. "I hope I wasn't out of line when…"
Dorian barely had a chance to breathe before the Queen stepped forward, giving him a gentle but heartfelt embrace. He could sense the calm from her, the drive to show him how earnest her next words would be.
"Thank you," she whispered so none would hear. "This land…I cannot place it but none of us have felt so at peace since we were excommunicated. Lady Freyja expects hard but honest work and has such kindness within her. She has never once raised a voice or even asked to bring up what happened to us. The others have been getting better and I, well, I couldn't be happier all things considered. Migdalia is the only one who remained behind."
"Is she alright?" Dorian recalled the young Bishop with ocean-blue hair.
"I don't know, but she didn't want to leave her new home. She did finally agree to leave the hospital, I think she was looking for a new peerage to join. Unfortunately remaining in the Underworld, she can't stay a free piece."
"Has she found anyone? There's always room in the Crossroads, we are exempt from requiring pieces to be in a peerage."
"That is generous, but she was set on making it on her own. Migdalia said she'd write, if she cannot find somewhere, I will most certainly offer your team." She turned to head back towards Lady Freyja's office. "You enjoy your day Dorian Held; may your winds blow as fairly as you have directed ours."
Across the Room…
"Having fun?" A black cat asked as it sauntered up to Thrud who was currently covered in felines. "Room for one more?"
"You never give up do you?" She stood up, causing the cats using her as a jungle gym to scatter to seek other entertainment by the fire.
"It's too much fun, for all you've helped Shirone before I came by you are more than welcome to partake." Her black ears twitched suggestively. "It will be nice seeing my team again, not certain how much for you though considering."
"Considering what?"
"I hope Dorian-nya isn't the jealous type, behind you."
"So," Bikou leaned against the wall behind Thrud eyeing her with an incorrigible grin as Kuroka slipped back into the shadows. "We meet again, had any second thoughts to my previous proposition of little ones?"
"Never had a first one," she remarked with a cool demeanor returning his expression with a confident one of her own. "You aren't my type."
"Not yer type?" Bikou looked legitimately shocked. "A battle maniac lass like you? We had one Hell of a tussle back at the summit, admit it…who else gave you such a match?"
"Sairaorg for one," she settled her hands on her hip in challenge. "Him and…" Her eyes subtly shifted over the youkai's shoulder settling directly on Dorian across the room. Bikou's face paled before darkening.
"The brat? Oh, come on, I know you fancied him but I could take him with one hand behind my back. How could he possibly hold your interest?"
"I wouldn't be too sure," she flipped her hair with a spin as she went to follow the others. "If we ever get into another tussle, I'll be sure to leave you for him."
"It cannot be," Bikou repeated to himself several times as he saw how Thrud looked at the Einherjar in a way she didn't last they met. "First he takes Kuroka from us then the finest woman this side of paradise?"
"I do believe Kuroka still considers herself our ally," Arthur tried to placate his teammate. "As for the second topic, I would not be the one to comment…"
"I would," a familiar squirrel dropped between them using his tail to suspend himself from the nearby lantern. "She was out of your league to begin with and found herself a real sparring partner. Better luck next time. If you'd like I could ask a few of my family if they'd be interested."
"Why you!" Bikou summoned his staff and swung, missing Ratatoskr by a hair's breadth as he ran up the weapon's length to dive for the safety of the rafters. He gave chase, his blow calculated and powerful with the years of his training that had drawn Vali to recruit him for the time. Despite his great skill, no matter how much he tried, he could not land a blow on the annoying rodent.
"The others may know my habits and foresight to stop me," Ratatoskr pushed up a pair of glasses he didn't have a moment earlier. "But your attacks are clear as day. Try coming back in a few centuries, ta ta!" With that he jumped out the nearby window and was gone from sight, the only evidence of his passing the rising tide of aggravation from Bikou plotting his vengeance next he ran into the denizen of Yggdrasil.
That night…
"I have missed this," Dorian smiled as they broke out into the grounds prepared for the celebration Odin and Freyja had mentioned. Lanterns hung across the area kept it well-lit despite the lateness of which they made it. "Just like before, and you said this is to go on all week? But where is everybody?"
"Perhaps they are at the main stage?" Rossweisse guessed. She held his left arm tenderly just as she did when accompanying him to the young devil gathering. Thrud did the same on the other, a soft glow giving away her granting some energy to help keep his strength up. "We should make our way there."
"Selecting the first course Iggy?" Hecuba asked not far as the rest of the Crossroads followed them. "You have been eyeing that buffet line since we spotted it."
"Just wondering," the young woman muttered half to herself. "If I should partake."
"Well, what is your favorite?" The young Spartan looked over the table, her own mouth watering just a bit. Despite the food that had considerably less nutritious value than she would have liked, she could not deny it looked appetizing. From the roasted boar still-steaming in the center table to the mashed potatoes and veritable pile of smoked fish, wheels of cheese and to her delight, assorted vegetables. "There is quite a selection."
"I don't know, I've never eaten any before."
"You've…never eaten anything there?"
"I do not have to eat when inside Dorian's soul," she explained. "And when I got hungry after manifesting my body I'd just retreat inside. "I've never tried a meal, just a few sweets when we were in Kyoto…"
"You can't survive off sweets!" Hecuba looked horrified. Even factoring her lack of a physical body before, she couldn't imagine never having eaten any healthier food in her life. "We need to get you a proper palate! I can make you a diet to keep you fit and lean and you MUST join us for breakfast soon. You can't keep using Dorian as an excuse to hide."
"I don't want to be a bother," she tried to defuse Hecuba's enthusiasm to not effect. Already, she was planning out a food plan that could not be stopped.
"Oh, there is someone," Dorian finally spotted Freyja standing near the stage with a small crowd of Vanaheim residents beside her. "Lady Freyja!" He waved her down, the smile on her face looking a bit more mischievous than usual. "Where is everyone?"
"Oh, they're around," she smiled as innocently as ever. "We were just waiting for the man of the hour to arrive."
"So, this party is for someone? Who is it?" The look on Freyja's face gave away how much she was restraining herself as she stroked his cheek gently.
"Do you jest? Or did you truly not even consider today as anything greater than any other?"
"Wha…?"
"SURPRISE!" The explosion of voices made Dorian jump for the second surprise that day, gripping the Valkyries on either side for support against falling over. Frantically, he glanced every which way for the source of the noise.
People emerged from behind bushes, under tables, around corners and from illusionary spells. He recognized many, from the twenty Valkyries of his class, Thrud's family, Freyja's new retainers and many other faces he recalled from his time working in Asgard. He even spotted Vali and his team among the crowd, though they did not seem overly enthusiastic to be there. Within a matter of moments, he was utterly surrounded, boxed up against the stage.
"Happy Birthday," Rossweisse and Thrud simultaneously announced as they kissed each of his cheeks. His hair stood on end as Dorian sensed an air of murderous intent from her brothers watching. A massive banner with sparkles and fireworks dropped from the roof of the stage announcing as such.
"Happy 18th Birthday Dorian."
I really didn't realize? Dorian chastised himself internally. I guess I never did really celebrate it much beyond maybe a bit of cake. I haven't had anything special since my year with…
"Irina," he turned with a smile. "You told them, didn't you?"
"Not a word!" The angel swore with her hand over her chest and a smile on her face. "They had this planned already. I just helped fill in a detail or two. It wasn't easy keeping it secret from you."
"Easier for me," Bennia grinned from the stage. "We just had to keep you adequately distracted while we set up this shindig. Happy Birthday boss."
"You think I would have accepted an Einherjar without knowing all of their mortal life?" Odin stroked his beard with a hearty laugh. A birthday is the easiest of information to obtain. It took long enough to get a chance to bring you here, but all has fallen into place quite nicely."
"You didn't have to go to such trouble," he couldn't think of what else to say, the fact they had organized so much for him was touching beyond words. "It's not anything big."
"The age you are considered a man by a good portion of your people?" He slapped the young Einherjar on the back hard. "That is a milestone to be celebrated, and we gathered as many as we could from your time among us. Eat, drink, revel and be merry! This night is for you unless you wanted to slip away for some privacy with…OW!" As he coyly glanced to either Valkyrie, he quickly felt the harsh sting of Freyja's hand upside his head.
"This means gifts, right?" Ratatoskr appeared upon Dorian's shoulder having come from nowhere. He resembled the simpler members of his race more than ever as his head snapped back and forth seeking the hidden packages. "Please tell me you have presents!"
"Later," Freyja glared him down with a smile that somehow threatened his existence at the same time. "For now, celebrate. The entire night is yours." She ended with one of her patented hugs that made Dorian feel awkward every time as his face was pressed against her bountiful bosom. This time, however, he released his hold on the women around him to return it. The two held that pose for several moments, the ambiance of love unmistakable.
"I don't know where to start," Dorian chuckled as he saw all the various stalls and food tables set up. "There is so much."
"I can think of one," the familiar voice of a hulking wall of muscle behind caused him to turn.
"Ragnar!"
"One and the same," he shoved an empty beer stein into his hand. "You may have bested me at amorous flyting…but can you do it again with more competition?"
Ratatoskr was laughing hysterically at Dorian's look of trepidation as no fewer than a dozen other Einherjar and even a few Valkyries stepped up with cups in hand. For he most of all, it was sure to be a long night. Dorian, however, was prepared.
"Rossweisse, Thrud," he loosened the tie around his neck threateningly. "Let's show them the meaning of true muses!"
Not Far…
"I had no idea Dorian partook of alcohol to such an extent," Irina paled as he was led to the table once the celebrations had started to take off, entire kegs opened for the festivities to come. "Isn't he too young?"
"No drinking age in Asgard to my knowledge," Kuroka purred as she watched with glee. "THIS is how the men of their culture party. He may not have been born to them, but he picked up their ways pretty fast."
"It's so…chaotic," she could think of no other word for it. "We would never take part in such a display!"
"Are you so sure," the coy nekoshou pulled Irina closer, her tails pointing towards the far table where the challengers were lining up. Irina facepalmed as she saw Xenovia among them, raising her cup high as she had garnered her own fans. "Of course, she's an Einherjar now too, maybe it's built into the reincarnation process?"
"Greetings Ms. Shidou," the polite voice of Arthur Pendragon interrupted the pair, bowing politely. "May I speak with you, privately?"
"What? Oh greetings," she quickly reciprocated the gesture. "Sure," she glanced awkwardly to Kuroka.
"I'm not here, I'll make sure your partner can hold her liquor. Maybe Dorian-nya will need some more…inspiration." With a flash, she turned into her cat illusion and raced off towards the table. They didn't spot Volody come around a corner as if to start a conversation with the young angel, spotting the pair and spinning in place to head off with a look of disappointment. Irina returned her attention to Arthur.
"You said before you wanted to talk to me, is it about that?" She motioned to the final Excalibur not part of her own hanging openly at his hip.
"Excalibur Ruler," he confirmed the name. "The sword to force the subjugation of any phenomenon it comes into contact with. A dangerous ability to be sure, the only one never controlled fully by the church. Can you imagine the chaos that could be wrought with its misuse?"
"Lord Michael would never do that," she fell into defense of the man who had protected her from excommunication when she learned of God's fate. The sorrow that filled his eyes when she had been confronted by the heads of the Church, the head angel finally stepping in at last.
"All are capable of more than you think when pressed," Arthur spoke from experience without breaking his stride. "We were planning to use it to bend Fenrir to his will in our last battle, but Mr. Held robbed Vali of that. He will not soon forget."
"Dorian sacrificed a lot to bind him," Irina snapped a little, misunderstanding his statement as some sort of ultimatum. Arthur kept his calm, raising a hand to slow her advance on him.
"And thus, we have no need for it any longer."
"Wh-what?" With a smooth flourish, Arthur drew the blade and presented it hilt-first to Irina.
"I have seen your battles and heard from reliable sources your disposition. You, perhaps most of all the younger generation within the Church cherish the spirit of their laws, not the absolute word of them. You wield the other Excaliburs, though are not the strongest by quite a large margin, you may perhaps be the most fitting."
Irina stared into the glowing sword being held before her. Deep down, though she'd never say it to him, she was scared. Not only the final sword to make her own Excalibur whole, but the power to control anything she focused on. She didn't like the feeling, all the same she could not deny her desire to be the first to hold the reforged Excalibur in centuries. She had grown up on the legend of the sword, even showing the one her family kept long ago to Issei before leaving Kuoh. Her pride at being Michael's Ace only swelled at the image of her holding the complete weapon, her wings unfurled behind her in the light of Heaven.
"Um, Ms. Shidou, I believe you are drooling."
"Oh…s-sorry! She quickly wiped her lips having barely realized she'd spaced out at the vision becoming a reality. "I don't know what to say."
"Say that you will remain true to your convictions. Say that you will grow stronger to one day be a powerful foe for me to fight. Do this, and the sword is yours. I have my own, the true king's blade owned by my family."
"A strong enemy, is that what you look for most?"
"One of many things," he nodded while holding eye contact with her. "It is what drew me to Vali, at first he was to be my ultimate opponent, but then he told me of another he wishes to fight first before that can be a reality."
"Issei?" Irina guessed knowing full well the rivalry between the Heavenly Dragons, but Arthur shook his head.
"Someone with a connection far more personal to him. The Red Dragon Emperor will be a future opponent only after this one is defeated, one we cannot face with Sacred Gears, but I will say no more. Will you accept the blade?"
"I will," she resolved without hesitation save a short exhalation. Extending her hands, she took the sword, cradling it within them as if it were a child. Hesitantly, she gripped the hilt with powerful fingers, holding it aloft with a glow in her eyes. "I will need to contact Lord Michael, I lack the skill to reforge it anew."
"The Vatican alchemists can do it as they did with the others," he assured her. "Thank you, I will feel more at ease with it in your hands. The allure to use its power can be hard to resist, only do so when you have no other choice, or you wish to step out of the role of a follower and towards that of a ruler."
The role of a ruler? I always envisioned serving Heaven the rest of my life. I hardly think I could ever be a…
"And another falls to the lady in red!" A rather burly Einherjar drunkenly proclaimed with a roar. The sound of cheering could be heard off to the side as her victory was celebrated.
Irina turned, horrified at the idea that Hecuba had joined the drinking game, only to be very confused as she saw the Spartan standing by the roaring fires of the kitchen. In front of her, a steaming bowl of soup was placed upon a pedestal above the others, a pair of men sobbing in defeat as an audience clambered for a taste.
"My Ma's recipe has never lost!" The first shouted incredulously. "How did you bring out such flavor?!"
"It's all about the shrimp," Hecuba raised a finger knowledgably. "Their own taste is naturally mild, allowing it to take on the properties of the seasoning and additional ingredients you include. I would be happy to explain the exact combination I used…"
"Finally, something wholesome," Irina sighed, happy to find something she could take part in. "Would you care to join us?" She returned to Arthur as she was about to part ways. "I have been learning to cook a bit, nothing special but…"
"Perhaps, there is nothing wrong with indulging in some fun in small doses," the Pendragon heir nodded to her while glaring at the newcomer approaching. "It is certainly preferable to the alternative."
"OY! Who said there was a game to insult people?" Bikou shouted above the crowd, making his way to the table. "I'll take all comers!"
Later…
"To a semblance of sanity in chaotic times?" Seekvaira raised her modest cup to the fallen angel near her.
"And those who hold against it," he replied flatly, clinking their cups together as they watched the perceived insanity before them. "Their culture is…fascinating."
Their team was scattered across the party fields, Hecuba and Irina putting up their culinary chops against Vanaheim's best, Dorian was leaning back victorious as the various challengers were passed out in their seats. Despite the line of foes, he had held out just as strong as against Ragnar, Rossweisse and Thrud his penultimate muses beyond compare. The daughter of thunder and her brothers were roughhousing not far to maintain their family honor, they had no idea where the others had gotten off to but were certain they were into some trouble of sorts. No matter how hard they tried, only Thrud remained standing each time with her brothers utterly defeatd. Seekvaira and Zepar were loitering near the punch table, one of the few non-alcoholic drinks offered.
"Another tale from the amorous flyting victor!" Ragnar demanded as Dorian had only just finished describing their victory in Helheim, his team managing to hold off his Loki-possessed body until he was able to purge the god from his mind. He made careful not to not mention Despoina's intervention, still uncertain how her copy's presence would be accepted. "We heard of your great battle in the city of Kyoto, but details! Provide them!" He slapped the Einherjar on the back hard.
"We don't need to go into that," Dorian waved him off, a sinking feeling in his chest coming with each image of that terrible fight and how close they had come to death, and worse yet what had occurred as a result.
"Do not be modest," the aging warrior would not relent. "You and the Gremory devils fought warriors of renown, made it out with your lives to say nothing of your slaying of the mighty Heracles! Such a feat is worthy of…"
He finally stopped at the last line, having been a veteran of enough battles to recognize the expression marring Dorian's face. He took no pride in the victory, with a sigh, he waved off the onlookers, inching closer to the blonde man.
"Ye didna want to kill him, did ye?" Dorian shook his head softly. "Ah, your first kill. I sometimes forget now ye weren't brought to Asgard from some grand battlefield bathed in the blood of your enemies. Well," he looked up at the sky briefly, "I was, but that's a long story. Do you regret facing him?"
"Facing him, no." Dorian admitted wholly. "For what he did to Rossweisse, I wanted to…" He clenched his fist so powerfully his knuckles turned white and shook before he finally released it. "I didn't want to kill him, but when the Breakdown took over, I just kept going."
"Then you need to ask yourself a question," Dorian was surprised as Zepar walked over, sitting down across from him from the punch bowl having overheard. "Was his death worth the reason for initiating the fight?"
"It was," he knew that without hesitation. "If I hadn't stepped in, Rossweisse would be…"
"I killed in the battle at the Peace Summit," Zepar recalled the hordes of mages advancing on them after Gasper's power had been negated. "It was a first for me then as well."
"And you were okay with it?" Dorian asked calmly, the sensation of speaking with someone else about it somehow filling him with a peaceful feeling. He had yet to say a word to Rossweisse or Thrud, not certain what he even could say.
"I was after a time. Once I realized if I hadn't, and something happened to Akeno, I would have been even more regretful. Ragnar leaned back, fumbling in his vest as he let the two men talk. The fallen angel tried to soothe Dorian's mind, his desire to repay the reunion between Akeno and her mother however he could. "Does killing outweigh the result of the battle? That is what must be decided.
I would never regret saving Rossweisse and the others, not for a moment.
"Damn pipe," Ragnar complained aloud as he patted down himself seeking a match. "Can never find a light when you need one."
Dorian held out his right pointer finger, a single flame emerging from the tip to provide the flame required. The Einherjar nodded appreciatingly as he lit his long pipe.
"Mastered magic to such an extent?" He asked before seeing the skin withdraw from around the tip, revealing a mechanical funnel within from which the fire emerged. "Aaah, the trophy from your tussle with Fenrir?"
"A trophy of sorts, though I would have much preferred my original arm," he tried to shake off the comment. "I can't imagine half of what Mr. Azazel put in here."
"Such as?" A few of the revelers returned, leaning closer eyeing his arm as if a rabbit would suddenly pop out of it.
"Well, a lighter," he showed the effect again. "Missiles," his hand split open, releasing a small projectile high into the sky that exploded to draw everyone's attention. "laser," his palm suddenly produced a red mirror, firing a like-colored blast that sniped a bottle at the end of the table. "There is also a TV remote, flashlight, back massager…"
Everyone froze as his fingers locked together, hand suddenly vibrating at incredible speeds akin to the wings of a hummingbird. A few women blushed as men looked jealous, the addition to his appendage seeming more perverted than he realized. Those around started glancing towards one another uncertain if they should reveal the depth of his misunderstanding. Odin opened his mouth, only to be silenced by the glare of his wife.
"Lad," Ratatoskr whispered in his ear having climbed down from his perch. "I donna think that is a back massager. It looks more like a vibr…"
The transplanar rodent found himself lifted off his feet courtesy of Thrud gripping his tail, Thor's daughter blushing a little redder as she slammed the squirrel into the adjacent table, shattering it at the point of impact. The crowd just stared as she looked up, throwing back her strawberry blonde hair.
"Figured it was too long since we had a bit of fun around here, am I right!?" She shouted with confidence covering the reason for her action, the crowd clearly in agreement as they cheered. A few punches were thrown causing a brawl to break out among the partygoers. Surprisingly, the utter chaos around them ended up leaving Dorian with some sense of peace as they seemed focused on each other. Such an event was normal by their standards.
"Well, the young punk did say his lady friends would enjoy the devices in there," Odin slapped his knee with a laugh. "But I think it's about time for the fun part, don't you think?"
"Presents!" Bennia emerged from seemingly nowhere, Dorian too worried to ask what she'd been up to at the party. "Us first! This one is from all of us."
Bennia handed over a large but thin gift, stepping back to give him room. Dorian tore at the paper, quickly seeing what it was, a gasp of joy escaping his lips. In his hands he held a large, framed photograph of the Crossroads team they had taken shortly after Zepar joined their ranks. The primary team, those representing their respective peoples stood proudly in their uniforms smiling at the camera. In the center, Dorian himself was flanked by Rossweisse and Thrud with Ratatoskr on his shoulder.
"You guys…" his expression was gratitude enough for them. "You all pitched in?"
"For the frame, best we could find," Hecuba informed. "Just the right size for that nice space in the main hall with room for future recruits. "I cannot take credit for the idea, however."
"It was only natural," Zepar bowed, accepting the sudden focus of attention from those aware. "It is both personal to you, important to us and proof of our growth. "I hope you approve."
"More than approve!" Dorian blurted out, laying it to the side upright so he could still look at it. He was overjoyed beyond words, even Iggy made it into the shot kneeling in the front. Despite not having a uniform of her own, she fit in with the rest right where she belonged. "Thank you everyone."
"Mine next!" Iggy was so excited, pushing to the front and laying a lightly wrapped package in front of him. "I made it myself."
"You made it? Oh Igg…"
Dorian's expression became a combination of inquisitive and confused at the sight before him. Wrapped within the red and white material was a thick sweater akin to one that would be worn in the Winter around Christmas time. It was expertly crocheted with a deep green coloration with patterns of brown interwoven clearly intended to be a depiction of the World Tree Yggdrasil. Being far too small to be the one in the Roads, he guessed correctly she was going off the physical interpretation residing within the Nine realms.
"I didn't know you saw the real tree," Rossweisse complimented, recognizing it immediately.
"Mother showed me, I thought you'd like it for when it gets cold. I even added Ratatoskr, see, there he is on the branch."
"And the intrinsic value has soared!" The incorrigible squirrel gushed as he jumped ahead to admire the craftsmanship. "She not only has the skill, but an eye for art!"
"Thank you, Iggy," Dorian looked up at her with a smile, her returning it without a word as the seconds dragged on. As the young man was starting to worry he had done something wrong, she finally spoke.
"Well, aren't you going to put it on?"
"R-right now?" Dorian suddenly became very self-conscious being surrounded by all his friends, Freyja, and Odin. Embarrassment scratched at him until he saw Iggy's smile start to fade the slightest degree from his hesitation. "Of course!" He quickly threw it over his head, squeezing into it, a perfect fit as she had memorized his measurements to the centimeter long ago. "How do I look?"
"Oh, it fit!" She cheered as if there was even the slightest chance of failure. "I am so glad you like it!"
"He looks ridiculous," Vali hmphed in the back, crossing his arms indignantly as a line of others approached Dorian offering gifts. Most were simple items to help decorate his office or various chocolates and candy. the Heavenly Dragon thought he saw a few daggers and other weapons among the pile. "How could someone so…insufferable be as strong as he is? And here I thought Issei gaining such power with his outlook on life was a fluke."
"He didn't do it alone," Odin muttered in his ear, leaning forward so no one else could listen in. "It was his determination and help from those closest that he has advanced so far so quick. Thanks to family." That choice of words caused Vali to turn, Odin's wide grin giving away he knew more of the White Dragon Emperor's inner mind than he liked. "I'll be giving him a gift of my own, but it's not ready so it'll have to be a bit late. As for our business, family plays into that you know. But we can speak more of that after the festivities." With that final word, the Allfather slid past towards the front to stand alongside Freyja walking up next.
"Dorian," she began once all other gifts had been given as the Einherjar started to realize a slight itch with the material Iggy had selected in her sweater. "When you first came to our shores, we did not know why you held the seed of Yggdrasil. Truly, even now that still eludes us, however you have done so much in your time here and shone so brightly. Showing us Loki's nefarious ways, helping to stop him, stepping forward to help the Crossroads build bridges with the other myths and most important of all…saved our son Baldur. That will never be forgotten."
Dorian didn't know what to say, even though he knew all that Freyja said was true and had occurred, such praise felt off to him. He had done what he thought was best at each situation, for good or ill. Each new word she uttered only strengthened his resolve to not give her or anyone cause to regret them. He looked down as she handed him a rather sizable tome wrapped in exquisite leather. His name was on the cover.
"A little something for you to think of your childhood in a better light than you may recall."
Dorian flipped the gift open, the very first page being a photo of an infant with blonde hair being held by Lady Freyja within the Crossroad Tower. Quickly, he tilted the book so none of the crowd could see the pages, only Freyja and those he trusted, many of the women awing as they saw him. Flipping through each page, he was astounded by the number of photos taken during his brief time as an infant. He could not recall anything of that day but had been explained the events in great detail by Rossweisse and Ratatoskr much to his embarrassment. He stopped several pages in, closing the book as he wished to look it over in greater detail when not so rushed or the center of attention.
It doesn't have mom or dad; he wiped a single tear at the recreation of photos that no longer existed. But the fact she went to all this trouble for me…
"Thank you," he lowered the book to the table, turning to the goddess with the most heartfelt smile she had ever seen on his face. "I seem to be saying that a lot, you have shown so much kindness since I woke up in Asgard."
"I have cared for many Einherjar in my time. But none so…closely. You are like one of my own Dorian, I would cherish to consider you as such. This is but the first of your days here. Heal, rest, and reflect on where you wish to go from here. You joined the Crossroads at my behest…"
"But I am staying for myself," he interrupted sensing where she was going. "I cannot picture myself anywhere else. I was so worried when you chose me, that I wasn't ready, even as a symbol. But since then, I am certain this is where I want to be. Without you and others," the image of a young teacher making peanut butter sandwiches flashed in his mind, "I would never have come here. I wanted to be a teacher; I still do. But there are more ways to teach, this feels…right, despite the bad that has happened."
The group slowly dispersed as it appeared the gifts had all been given and Dorian sat to rest, clearly fatigued by the long night. As grateful as he was, he was still easily winded even with the healing aura of Vanaheim. Only Thrud and Rossweisse remained when all was done, the two glancing to each other suspiciously.
"I…did not give you a gift yet," Rossweisse pointed out only once certain no others were nearby.
"Nor did I," Thrud inched closer, her voice full of confidence. "Now seems like a good time."
"You never have to," Dorian misunderstood, thinking they had not gotten one in time. "Wait, time for what?"
"I tried shopping for days," Rossweisse admitted, recalling the times she had kept Dorian from accompanying her on daily errands. "Nothing felt right."
"So," Thrud took up the conversation. "We got some advice from experts. Akeno was especially helpful on ideas."
Uh oh.
"Ideas for what?"
"This," Thrud turned to Rossweisse, positioning the two directly in front of him. "A sneak preview for later."
In a quick motion, the daughter of thunder planted a deep kiss upon the silver Valkyrie's lips. Despite having been in on it, Rossweisse looked as if she was going to pass out from shock. After several seconds, however, her resolve was steeled and she gripped her lifelong friend's shoulders, returning the kiss and embrace. The two held that for several seconds, longer than intended as the feeling was more comfortable than expected. All the while, Dorian froze in his seat, instincts flipping between joining them or looking away while his curiosity was piqued on what would happen next. At last, the two parted, their faces flushed as they turned back to face him.
"That was…wow," Dorian had no words. He loved Rossweisse and had confessed to Thrud just the other day, but to see them acting that way with each other had his head spinning, new dreams and fantasies never before conceived forming within. He could not help it nor would want them to stop.
"I hope you liked it," Thrud remarked with a coy expression sound in the knowledge that Akeno's advice had held true.
"I-indeed," Rossweisse finally found her voice, Dorian's enjoyment of the moment clear beyond a doubt. "Happy Birthday Dorian, the first of many together."
The first of many, because we will get through them together, Rossweisse finally resolved as the party drew to a close. Everyone is striving to make themselves better and I can be no different. I have put it off for far too long, being in Vanaheim now I have no excuse. I have not faced mother and father in so long, nor the trials towards earning my family's crest. That strength will be needed. That…and they have not met Dorian yet, surely, they will love him!
The start of the Crossroad's time in Vanaheim begins, the Queen's hope of healing for Dorian now evident. Will the young Einherjar find a means to return to his prime status and how will their time in the ancient realm affect them?
I did have a little vote I was thinking of having for fans. I was always curious which characters were fan favorites from both new and canon cast. Who is your favorite female character, male one? Favorite fight and favorite couples? Just a little curiosity of mine. Until next time, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews…but most of all enjoys! :D